Japan’s government says it was “unfortunate” that President Joe Biden called Japan, a U.S. ally, “xenophobic” in remarks last week.
During a campaign reception in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Biden lumped Japan in with U.S. adversaries Russia and China while arguing that immigration can help to create strong economies.
“One of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it,” Biden said.
“Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” he added.
“Immigrants is [sic] what makes us strong,” Biden continued. “Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute.”
